Well, you can't always find what you're looking for. The same goes for this little art supply…read morestore. Never mind the colourful sign indicating its whereabouts, you still have to enter through doors prior to the shop and manoeuvre your way through the small halls with low ceilings. But hey, once you've found it, you'll always know how to get there. Okay, difficulty locating it aside, this is a pretty nice little art store. It isn't too big so you don't feel overwhelmed by different gadgets, but it still has all the necessary tools for the true artist. Sadly, that isn't me. I didn't know where to look or where to even start. Lucky for me, it is small so there wasn't much room for getting lost. I ended up finding something that seemed like what I needed, but when I asked the clerk if it would be suitable for my project, he simply responded with, "I don't know." That was all. I was hoping for a little more help than that. I think he could sense I wasn't the artsy type and therefore snubbed me a bit. Even when I asked a couple more questions his response was always the same. I didn't feel too confident about my project after that. At least I know I can find this place again if I ever decide to try another project. Perhaps I'll be given a different answer than, "I don't know," to any question I may have.

This is an exciting little shop that can be easy to miss. Concealed in the depths of the Granville…read moreMall and predominately frequented by NSCAD students, this is a space available to anyone and everyone with the artistic will. Its just a tiny little thing, but packed with a wide variety of art supplies and books of the art related. The store lay out is straight forward and well maintained, making it easy to find what you're looking for. I've found they can run low in stock on special items throughout the school year if there's a NSCAD class requiring specific materials. But most of the time they are pretty good for having things on hand. They have a lovely selection of paper. From Mayfair to more exquisite, textured Japanese papers... certainly a highlight for me! From all the basics to the more nit-picky tools, the NSCAD Supply Store has a well rounded body of product and at reasonable prices. There are also certain items they keep behind the counter, so if you're having trouble finding it, ask an employee! The books are mainly there for classes, however if you're interested in learning some art history or teaching yourself photography, the selection offers a great platform for some self education! I'd recommend this store for all creative individuals around the city!

Now here is a huge, somewhat overwhelming art and craft store. This place seriously has everything…read moreyou may need to tackle a craft or any sort of art project. Deserres has everything from scrapbooking items to a rather large framing center. They've got a diverse selection of paints and colours, as well as a lot of different canvases to work with, in all shapes and sizes. There's even a kids section with fun projects for children of all ages. What I really liked about Deserres is that it's nicely mapped out. There are large signs above head indicating what is in each section. Everything from the fine arts to graphic arts is conveniently labelled so you know exactly where to go. I had a couple of questions about products and the nice salesman was very eager to help. He told me everything a I needed to know and even gave me other options to choose from. I was very grateful for his help. I really enjoyed just browsing through this store at all that they have, even if I wasn't interested in buying most of it. I thoroughly enjoyed how organized they were. It made it easy to be in there.

'Deserres' is currently located where 'Loomis Art Store' used to be. I'm not entirely certain that…read more'Deserres' didn't just absorb this smaller art store chain, since the interior doesn't appear to have changed very much. Whether you're a professional or simply a crafty weekender, Deserres caters to every level of artiste. They truly have something for everyone! I was impressed to pop in last Saturday and find pink pipe cleaners. (A naturally integral component of my Halloween costume) Deserres also carries those stick on wall designs that you've probably started noticing. These are super funky and a nice alternative to sponge painting your bedroom, etc. They also come in a chalk board variety so your grocery list can be a tad more noticeable 2'x3' tacked to your wall. Definitely recommend trying this art store out! Lots of great gift wrapping paraphernalia too!

Purchased some fabric the other day and realized that it was not what was needed. I have purchased…read moretens of thousands of dollars from this store over the past number of years for a business. Many times, it is easier and more efficient to buy a bolt from the store rather than wait for the suppliers in Canada and the US. Went to Dartmouth to return the fabric today and was told to take it back to the Halifax location, Was told that there was no problem returning the fabric, since we are well known customers and usually buy large quantities of material. Was told that it had to be remeasured, which is understandable, since I may have taken an inch of two, which was not the case. Generally try to avoid the Halifax location, although it is located nearby our costuming business. I would rather spend money on tolls and gas to go to Dartmouth rather than deal with the Halifax location. The fabric was accepted, begrudgingly, although I felt that I was seen as something less than a valued customer. I was told that they do not accept returned fabric, since they have done so in the past and there have been bugs. What I am to infer from this comment? We have a large warehouse for the fabric that is clean, humidity controlled and certainly free of pests and bugs. Should I worry about bugs being in the fabric when I am buying from Fabricville? There is no information stating that there are no returns on fabric, aside from no returns on cut fabric. Please make this clear to your customers. In the future, I will shop elsewhere. I will make a point to avoid the Halifax store and can shop for sundries on line and fabric as well. I have never had a bad thing to say about the delivery drivers who come regularly to my door with packages. I learned growing up in a business family that when someone is happy, they may tell one person. If they are unhappy with the service they received they will tell ten people and so on, You have lost of customer, of which you seemingly don't care. This is unfortunate, since retail can hardly afford to disconnect with the paying public.

The only thing this store really has going for it is the staff, who are very helpful…read more Unfortunately, most the fabrics they are selling are overpriced. I saw one bolt of ordinary woven black 100% polyester fabric for a whopping $13 per metre - pass! There were a few amazing embroidered chiffons, although I don't think I'd pay upwards of $40 per metre even for that. There was a reasonably sized discount section, a huge quilting section full of 100% cotton prints, and a fairly large home decor section. The notions section is small, and so is the button selection. I left this store without buying anything. I don't thing I'd go back there unless I was desperate and had a lot of spare cash lying around.

Wool 'n Tart is a cute little yarn store/bakery on the main strip in Wolfville. It's small, but it…read morehas a good selection of some beautiful, colourful yarns. I spent quite a bit of time squishing everything in sight while chatting with the owner, who was very friendly and knowledgeable. They are affiliated with the Gaspereau Fibre Shop in the middle of wine country, just up the road from Main Street. Prices are reasonable and it would be a great place to grab a chocolate and knit for a spell. Just don't get the chocolate on your project. ;-)

I was truly excited when this business opened. Not only can I purchase fresh bread, and desserts…read moremade locally but I can feed my knitting habit as well.

I've gotta say, this place is pretty rad! Totally not what I'd normally go for as it's mostly a…read morecollection of kitsch-infused home decor bordering on country kitchen, but I appreciate how they're setting themselves apart. In a place where selling cheap crap with lobsters on 'em to tourists is a valid way of life, Down Home Living manages to hit a much more appetizing middle ground between products you'd actually like, with enough Atlantic Canadian style tucked in for good measure. Instead of t-shirts with screen-printed moose in Mountie costumes, you'll find modern art hangings of stylized whales, picture frames painted to look like fishing markers, and just a great selection of home decor that still manages to hold its own in the style department. Don't skip this one!

Lunenburg is none of the things that the Vancouver reviewer describes. There are loads of wonderful…read moreshops in Lunenburg that befit the historic and incredibly beautiful and sophisticated UNESCO DESIGNATED town that it is. Down Home Living has a lot of wonderful items for the home. It's an altogether pleasing shopping experience in every way. I recently bought a wonderful lamp at Down Home Living that I will take home to Florida with me. There are pillows, blankets, some kitchenware, art, mirrors and many lovely small items in this store. Don't miss it! It's always crowded with patrons and has been a successful business at this location for many years. It never fails to please.